College Q&A: Nolan Ryan event to raise funds for UHV athletics

By By Katy Walterscheidt
Aug. 17, 2013 at 3:17 a.m.

I'm excited Nolan Ryan is coming to the University of Houston-Victoria's A Night for the Jaguars. What is the event for?

Victoria is buzzing about Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan coming to town Aug. 28 for the University of Houston-Victoria's A Night for the Jaguars, an event that raises funds primarily for university athletic scholarships and other athletic priorities.

The athletic scholarships help recruit and attract more student-athletes to the university. This is the main fundraising event for the program, which will include nearly 140 student-athletes this school year. Scholarships are available for all UHV sports - men's and women's soccer, men's and women's golf, baseball and softball.

"We are still growing our scholarship program, so every bit helps," UHV Athletics Director Ashley Walyuchow said. "All of our programs have seen success in the short amount of time they have been around. We would like to continue that trend with help from the community."

Walyuchow said this is a unique opportunity to hear a sports legend speak, but Ryan's speech is just part of the event. The evening also will showcase the UHV athletics programs.

Coaches from each team will give brief presentations, and student-athletes will be on hand to talk with community members.

The evening will include live and silent auctions featuring an autographed UHV jersey that Ryan will wear during the event, sports memorabilia, event packages, Victoria Generals season tickets and more.

Businesses and local community members also can support athletics scholarships by becoming sponsors of the event.

Sponsorship packages start at $1,000 and will include a special meet-and-greet with Ryan on the day of the event.

For more information about sponsorships, contact Walyuchow at 361-485-4424.

Tickets for the Aug. 28 event are $20 for grandstand stadium seats, $10 for grandstand bleacher seating and $5 general admission seating for the bleachers down the first and third base lines.

Tickets can be purchased online at uhvjaguars.com, by visiting the UHV Athletics Office, 3302 N. Ben Wilson St. or by calling 361-485-4423. Tickets also will be available at the gate on the day of the event.

Do you have a question about the University of Houston-Victoria? Contact Katy Walterscheidt, UHV communications specialist, at 361-570-4342 or at walterscheidtk@uhv.edu.